What if 1 Cor 13:4-7 was to be the 'absolute' manifesto for our lives? I mean, seriously, forget the creeds, forget the ethics, forget the excuses, forget the 'scenario-analysis', forget the hundred crappy questions that arise, just WHAT IF we seek to apply this verse in ALL areas, ALL circumstances, ALL conversations, ALL actions, towards ALL individuals and groups we come across?

Really, wouldn't the very effort itself stir up a storm - a revolution - of the kind of goodness the world has almost stopped believing in? (And whilst I'm at it, don't you think it's kinda tough that this verse is used chiefly at weddings?! Like Paul meant it mainly for romantic love?!)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

But no it's not possible, is it? Is it? Anyway, here's the version from The Message...wonderful:

   Love never gives up. 
   Love cares more for others than for self.
   Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
   Love doesn't strut,
   Doesn't have a swelled head,
   Doesn't force itself on others,
   Isn't always "me first,"
   Doesn't fly off the handle,
   Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
   Doesn't revel when others grovel,
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
   Puts up with anything,
   Trusts God always,
   Always looks for the best,
   Never looks back,
   But keeps going to the end.